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Topic Review (Newest First)

01-04-2013 10:59 PM

RushGSD

We are in a similar situation. We are getting our new puppy in a few weeks and as our families live in different cities, we cannot have them to come and take care of the pup during the day.
And I am the same, in this day and age, I am not prepared to give the keys, alarm code and access to our home to perfect stangers, no matter their credentials.
Based on this thread, it seems like the pads in the crate will be the best way to go until the dog can hold for several hours, and then removing the pad, hoping that the dog will prefer to hold until we get back from work, as opposed to soiling the crate.
Any idea how long this should take?

12-27-2012 12:29 PM

SampsonNeiss

Those are good points. I guess I will see what it is like when I get home and then decide if something needs to be changed. Thank you all for the ideas and suggestions.

12-27-2012 12:22 PM

Bear GSD

I think personally that it would be less stressful for a puppy to know that is ok to go on a peepad/paper that to let it think it had an accident, JMO. At least on a temporary basis.

12-27-2012 12:19 PM

kiya

The problem with not using anything is that it will get stepped in and end up everywhere.

12-27-2012 12:18 PM

SampsonNeiss

I have not had a petsitter. I am just hesitant in today's age about that. I guess my only decision is then to use pee pads or not use anything. I just want to make it as easy and stress free as possible for Sampson.

12-27-2012 12:08 PM

kiya

Quote:

Originally Posted by SampsonNeiss

I know for a fact he wont hold it that long, but I guess I am trying to encourage him to hold it as long as possible; therefore, not using puppy pads or anything. As far as having somebody over, I have a fairly agressive (towards strangers) male dog that would not let anyone in to let the puppy out.

Did you ever get a petsitter? My male is fear agressive, it takes a little work to introduce someone but when I am not home he's the pet sitters best friend.

12-27-2012 12:05 PM

kiya

Quote:

Originally Posted by Questforfire

Is there a neighbour, friend or family member who you could enlist to help with letting your puppy out during the day when you are at work? Or could you employ a dog walker or other experienced person to do this for you? 10 hours is a very long time to be leaving a puppy alone imo.

It is a long time, unfortunately sometimes thats what you have to do when you have to work. Sure it would be great if they had someone to come in during the day, but you can't expect someone to do that for free. I've been in my house almost 20 years and each one of my pups had to contend with a 8+ hour work day alone. Heck the current pack has it so much better than Cheyenne did 20 yrs ago, he had to stay in the garage while we were at work. Today, my current pack is lounging in the sunroom with heat and a doggie door.

12-27-2012 12:03 PM

SampsonNeiss

I know for a fact he wont hold it that long, but I guess I am trying to encourage him to hold it as long as possible; therefore, not using puppy pads or anything. As far as having somebody over, I have a fairly agressive (towards strangers) male dog that would not let anyone in to let the puppy out.

12-27-2012 11:57 AM

Questforfire

Is there a neighbour, friend or family member who you could enlist to help with letting your puppy out during the day when you are at work? Or could you employ a dog walker or other experienced person to do this for you? 10 hours is a very long time to be leaving a puppy alone imo.

12-27-2012 11:48 AM

Bear GSD

I agree with Kiya. When I had my last pup we lived in Chicago in a 2 story walk up. Needless to say the chances for us to run a pup down 2 flights of stairs when she needed to go was impossible until she was a little older.
We put paper down for about a month until she was able to control her bladder better.
Once she was good to go we removed the paper and she was fine.
I think I'd rather have the pup go on the paper and have him know that's what it's for than have him have random accidents. I think 8 weeks is young for having him hold it for that length of time.

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